Inspirational Doris could be named UK's best tenant

Inspirational Doris Land, who confounded a number of serious health problems, is in the running to be named the UK’s best campaigning tenant.

Doris (pictured with husband Ian) was given a devastating cancer diagnosis in her thirties and was told she wouldn’t live to see her 40th birthday. But she went on to beat cancer and survive a staggering seven brain hemorrhages and three heart attacks to reach her 70th birthday earlier this year.

Now Doris, who lives at Mulberry Court, one of our extra care schemes, in Cirencester, has landed a place in the final of the prestigious 24housing Awards, which recognise exceptional individuals and projects involved in housing across the UK.

The former teacher will now go up against four other tenants from across the UK in the final of the Tenant Champion category in October. She won her place on the shortlist for the significant contribution she has made on various committees of Housing & Care 21 to represent the views of our thousands of older tenants.

Doris said: “I am absolutely delighted to win a place in the final.

“The work I’ve done I just get on and do, I don’t really think about it but it is great to be recognised.

“I think because of some of the things I have gone through it does give me an added perspective on things and means I am more in tune with the challenges many people face.

“I have been a disability campaigner for years and the work I have done with Housing & Care 21 is just an extension of getting across the views of people who need to be heard. It’s just the right thing to do.”

Among Doris’s key achievements have been a successful campaign to get a lifesaving defibrillator fitted at Mulberry Court and key changes to policy around family and friends visiting.

Bruce Moore, our chief executive, said: “We are delighted for Doris and her place in the final is the least she deserves for the fantastic work she has done. The fact she has done it all in the face of such significant personal challenge is all the more impressive.

“Without the significant contribution of tenants like Doris we wouldn’t be able to create services that are in tune with the needs of our many residents. Her involvement gives us the benefit of having their direct perspective.

“She is undoubtedly an inspirational individual and a fine ambassador and we have our fingers firmly crossed for the final.”

An awards ceremony will be held at the Ricoh Arena, in Coventry, on October 8th to crown the winner.